Champions League: Mikel Aims To Upset PSG

John Obi Mikel battling a Man United player in the English Premier League match held on December 28, 2015. Getty Images

Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel will praying for mother-luck as Chelsea face a star-studded Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the Paris Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams are familiar foes having met each other in two consecutive seasons as Chelsea defeated PSG 3 – 3 on away goals rule in the 2013/2014 season to qualify to the quarter final stages while PSG defeated the Blues 3 – 3 on away goals rule to also qualify to the next round in 2014/2015 season.

More importantly, Mikel has been part of the previous encounters and knows that a comfortable result in Paris could be enough to send the London team to the quarter final stages of the Champions League.

On paper, PSG appears to be the stronger side compared to a Chelsea side that has been having a contrasting form in the Barclay’s Premier League in England.

Besides, the former Lyn Oslo midfielder, who has be enjoying a new lease on life under Chelsea manager, Guus Hiddink after the departure of Jose Mourinho, has started virtually all the games under the Dutch tactician.

Interestingly, Mikel’s on the verge of surpassing former Super Eagles striker, Kanu Nwankwo’s record appearance of 60 in the Champions League if Chelsea progress to the next round. Having made 56 appearances for Chelsea in the cup competition, the Nigerian international could equal and surpass Kanu’s record if he gets the chance to play for the Blues although it appears he is not apart of the starting line-up.